Evangelion watch order
Evangelion is one series, its theatrical ending, and a four-film remake, and the confusion comes from the remake being also, arguably, a sequel. There are two honest routes. The classic route: the 1995 series, then The End of Evangelion, then the Rebuild films. The fast route: the four Rebuild films alone.
The classic route is the recommendation. The Rebuild films quote, invert and answer the original; every one of their choices lands harder when you know what they are choosing against.
The classic route, recommended
The original work first, then the ending it was always missing, then the remake that talks back to it.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) Series 26 episodes
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997) Film the theatrical ending, replacing episodes 25 and 26
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007) Film
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009) Film
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012) Film
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) Film the conclusion
The Rebuild-only route
A complete story in four films for someone who will not commit to the series. It works; it just carries less weight.
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007) Film
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009) Film
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012) Film
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) Film
Keep your place
I Like Movies, the free Android app behind this page, carries a curated Neon Genesis Evangelion track: the same catalogue as above, in watch order, with your progress marked per film and per episode. Ratings and a watchlist come along for everything else you watch.
Questions people ask
Should I watch the Evangelion series or the Rebuild movies first?
The series first, if you can. The Rebuild films begin as a retelling and become something that comments on the original; watched first, they play as a stylish story, and watched second, they play as an answer. The Rebuild-only route is legitimate when 26 episodes is a dealbreaker.
Is The End of Evangelion a sequel or a replacement ending?
A replacement, and watch it as one: it retells episodes 25 and 26 as the theatrical ending the TV production could not deliver. Watch the full series first, including the original two final episodes, then The End of Evangelion. The two endings are meant to be held together.
Do I need Evangelion: Death and Rebirth?
No. It is a recap compilation of the series with an early cut of End of Evangelion material attached, made for 1997 cinema audiences. It adds nothing today and is left out here, and out of the app's track, for that reason.
Is 3.0+1.0 really the end?
Yes. Thrice Upon a Time concludes the Rebuild story, and its creator has called the Evangelion story finished. Nothing further is in production.
More watch orders: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Middle-earth, Dune, Wizarding World, Fast & Furious, Alien, Dragon Ball, Naruto. Or browse every guide and comparison.